Brentwood Police Shooting That Killed Blood-Covered Man With Knives Results In No Charges: AG

BRENTWOOD, NY — Suffolk County police officers who fatally shot Bruce Boyd during a violent encounter in Brentwood earlier this year were legally justified in using deadly force, according to investigative findings released Thursday by New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation.

According to the Attorney General’s office, prosecutors would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers acted lawfully when they opened fire on Boyd, who died on April 4, earlier this year.

The Office of Special Investigation issued a notification of investigative findings, saying the evidence clearly showed that officers faced an imminent threat. A full investigative report will be published at a later date, as required by state law.

Police had been called to the home around noon for a wellness check, officials said. Officers knocked but got no response. A neighbor then put Boyd’s wife — who was at work — on the phone with police, and officers waited for her to return and unlock the house.

According to the special investigations office, Boyd’s wife walked inside but ran out seconds later. Officers then saw Boyd emerge from a hallway covered in blood and holding two knives, officials said.

Boyd exited the house with a knife raised above his head and ran toward an officer as police repeatedly called his name and ordered him to drop the weapon, OSI said.

When Boyd came within a few feet of an officer — still holding the knife above his head — officers fired their service weapons, striking him. Body-worn camera footage captured the incident, according to the Attorney General’s office.

Two knives were recovered at the scene, the AG said.

The Office of Special Investigation investigates all cases where a police or peace officer may have caused a person’s death, whether the person was armed, unarmed, in custody, or not. When the facts and legal analysis are clear, the Office of Special Investigation may issue findings before releasing the full public report.

The Office of Special Investigation said its full report on the shooting will be released later.